Collaborative work flow systems
National recognition for RSO AN EAST Lancashire case history is among the early Regional Supply Office successes to be included in the Competitive White Paper 3 being compiled by DTI Sheffield. The case history features local companies and it was two companies, a buyer and a seller. The companies concerned are Chamber member Abbey Telecom, of Higher Church Street, Blackburn, and IQ Computing Ltd, of Stubbins Vale, Ramsbottom. Their business connection was submitted for inclusion in the White Paper by Kathryn Czaja, manager of the East Lancashire Regional Supply Office. Being asked to feature a case history in the White Paper is a direct result of the overall success notched up by the East Lanes RSO. The link between the two companies came about when IQ Computing contacted the East Lanes RSO for help in buying a telephone system: the RSO contacted relevant local companies and it was Abbey Telecom which won the £10,600 worth of business. Thereafter, said Kathryn in her letter to the North West RSO about the link-up, there appeared to be synergy between these two organisations. As well as placing business through the Network, they have successfully joined together in a local partnership to obtain more business jointly for themselves and, hopefully, for the East Lancashire area. IQ Computing is heavily into software to encourage the use of lean enterprise, connectivity of computer systems, EDI and the transfer of technology into business systems. IQ customers include the Ministry of Defence.. GCHQ, Asda, local authorities and various public sector bodies. IQ's annual turnover is between £lm and £2.9m and it employs between ten and 19 people. IQ needed an additional product to link into its computer infrastructure by means of additional collaborative work flow systems and this will include a CTI (computer telephony integration) facility which will be available to IQ clients. One of Abbey Telecom's main strengths is its experience of dealing with public and private sector bodies as a supplier of telephony systems which include CTI. Abbey's client base includes Blackburn Borough Council; Hynd-burn, Chorley and Wigan Metropolitan Borough Councils; Age Concern; and Thwaites Brewery. Its annual turnover is between £0.5m and £lm, and it employs between five and nine employees. Abbey Telecom has also successfully used East Lanes RSO to obtain an air-conditioning system and is currently looking for a supplier of a circular staircase. Abbey Telecom and IQ Computing have agreed to create a strategic alliance based on business contacts and contracts to transfer technology and associated products to increase their market penetration of CTI Products associated with IQ's main computer infrastructure. A forecast of business potential in the first 12 months is between £50,000 and £100,000.
|
